IES News, Press & Testimonials

Monique Salinas, PhD Founder/CEO Mind Meets Music

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 20:12:34 GMT

I attended the Bethany Christian Services outstanding workshop given by Elisa on October 27, 2023: The Intersection Between Mental Health and Legal Status. Elisa is an expert in the field of mental health and immigrants, and her presentation was eye-opening.

Elisa was very knowledgeable around this topic and helped us reach our goal. We recently worked on a separate mental wellness project with her. We hosted a 6-tier workshop she facilitated geared to empower and educate individuals. She created the curriculum and included activities. Each workshop was full of great information that was culturally relevant to the audience. The feedback we received from the participants was positive. They all requested a continuation of the program. Leading us to continue exploring ways to strengthen our partnership."

Alejandra Meza

Director of Program Services

Hispanic Center of Western Michigan

www.hispanic-center.org

Alejandra Meza Director of Program Services Hispanic Center of Western Michigan

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 14:25:50 GMT

"One of our partners, Elisa with Inclusive Empowerment Services, created a 10-minute presentation focused on “Pathway to Wellness.” We showcased this to over 20,000 viewers via social media. Working with Inclusive Empowerment Services, LLC on this project was a great experience.

Elisa's commitment to helping our community is truly commendable. She has been instrumental in producing a series of educational videos aimed at addressing work-related stress, among other important topics. Her ability to simplify complex subjects into easily digestible content makes these videos accessible to a wide audience, and they have been invaluable resources for our community.

What sets Elisa apart is her talent for helping individuals identify their circles. Through her guidance, she encourages self-reflection and personal growth, leading to a better understanding of one's strengths and areas for improvement. This empowering approach has had a profound impact on many lives.

I'm continually impressed by Elisa's dedication to making a positive difference in our community. Her passion for her work is contagious, and her ability to connect with people is truly remarkable. I wholeheartedly endorse Elisa Perez for anyone seeking a knowledgeable, committed, and compassionate professional.

Ernesto Lopez

WCC Hispano Network

WCC Chairman and Chamber Board Member

https://www.westcoastchamber.org/west-coast-chamber-hispano-network/

Ernesto Lopez WCC Hispano Network

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 15:55:33 GMT

I've had the privilege of collaborating with Elisa Perez through the WCC Hispano Network on several projects, particularly in the realm of creating educational videos. Elisa's expertise and professionalism consistently shine through in her work.

Ernesto Lopez

WCC Hispano Network

WCC Chairman and Chamber Board Member

https://www.westcoastchamber.org/west-coast-chamber-hispano-network/

Learning to create your positive inner voice

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 13:17:36 GMT

Creating a positive inner voice involves changing your self-talk and inner dialogue from self-criticism and negativity to self-compassion and positivity. Cultivating a positive inner voice can boost self-esteem, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve overall well-being. Here are steps to help you develop a more positive inner voice:

Awareness: Start by becoming aware of your current inner dialogue. Pay attention to the thoughts and messages you tell yourself. Are they predominantly negative or critical? Identifying these patterns is the first step toward change.

Challenge negative thoughts: When you notice negative self-talk, challenge it. Ask yourself if there is evidence to support these negative beliefs. Are they based on facts or assumptions? Often, negative thoughts are exaggerated or distorted.

Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend. When you make a mistake or face a setback, respond to yourself with self-compassion rather than self-criticism. Remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes, and it's an opportunity for growth.

Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to counteract negative self-talk. Create a list of affirmations that reflect your strengths, values, and goals. Repeat them regularly to reinforce positive beliefs about yourself.

Challenge perfectionism: Perfectionism often leads to self-criticism because it sets unrealistic standards. Embrace the idea of progress, not perfection. Accept that making mistakes is a natural part of learning and growing.

Practice gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of your life and yourself. Regularly express gratitude for your strengths, accomplishments, and the things that bring you joy. Gratitude can shift your perspective toward positivity.

Surround yourself with positivity: Spend time with people who uplift and support you. Avoid toxic relationships that fuel negativity. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can help

Mindfulness and meditation: Engage in mindfulness practices and meditation to quiet your mind and observe your thoughts without judgment. This can help you become more aware of negative thought patterns and detach from them.

Challenge negative self-comparisons: Avoid comparing yourself unfavorably to others. Recognize that everyone has their unique strengths and weaknesses. Focus on your personal growth and progress.

Seek professional help: If negative self-talk and self-criticism are deeply ingrained or significantly affecting your mental health, consider working with a therapist or counselor. They can help you explore the roots of your negative beliefs and provide strategies for change.

Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal. This can be a therapeutic way to process negative emotions and challenge negative beliefs. You can also use your journal to track your progress in developing a positive inner voice.

Visualization: Imagine yourself succeeding, achieving your goals, and feeling confident. Visualization techniques can help reinforce positive self-beliefs.

Remember that changing your inner voice takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself, and don't expect instant transformation. Consistency is key, and over time, you can cultivate a more positive and supportive inner dialogue that enhances your self-esteem and overall well-being.

Managing Depression

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 13:17:35 GMT

Managing depression can be a challenging and ongoing process, but there are effective strategies and techniques that can help. It's important to note that depression is a medical condition, and it's essential to seek professional help from a mental health provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. In addition to professional help, here are some strategies that may assist in managing depression:

Therapy: Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can be highly effective in treating depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are some common therapeutic approaches. A therapist can help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop coping strategies, and work through underlying issues contributing to your depression.

Medication: In some cases, medication prescribed by a psychiatrist may be necessary to manage depression. Antidepressant medications can help regulate brain chemistry and alleviate symptoms. It's crucial to work closely with a mental health professional to find the right medication and dosage for your specific situation.

Self-care: Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is essential in managing depression. Here are some self-care practices to consider:

Regular exercise: Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

Healthy eating: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids can support mental health.

Adequate sleep: Ensure you get enough restorative sleep by maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a comfortable sleep environment.

Stress management: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress and anxiety.

Limit substance use: Alcohol and recreational drugs can worsen depression.

Social support: Isolation can exacerbate depression. Stay connected with friends and family, even if it feels challenging. Share your feelings with trusted individuals who can offer emotional support and understanding.

Set achievable goals: Depression can make even small tasks feel overwhelming. Break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and celebrate your accomplishments.

Challenge negative thoughts: Pay attention to self-critical or pessimistic thoughts and challenge them with more balanced and realistic perspectives. Cognitive-behavioral techniques can be helpful in this regard.

Engage in enjoyable activities: Depression can strip away interest in previously enjoyed activities. Force yourself to engage in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed, even if you don't initially feel like it. Over time, this can help improve your mood.

Create a routine: Establishing a daily routine can provide structure and a sense of stability, which can be comforting during depressive episodes.

Reach out for professional help: If you're struggling with depression, don't hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. They can provide guidance, support, and tailored treatment options.

Stay informed: Educate yourself about depression and its symptoms. Understanding what you're experiencing can help you feel more in control and less isolated.

Remember that managing depression is a journey, and it's okay to have setbacks along the way. Be patient and compassionate with yourself, and don't hesitate to reach out for support when needed. Depression is treatable, and with the right combination of therapy, medication, and self-care, you can manage its symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Strategies to help you Improve your self-esteem

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 13:17:35 GMT

Improving self-esteem is a valuable journey that can lead to greater self-confidence, resilience, and overall well-being. Here are several strategies to help boost your self-esteem:

Practice Self-Compassion:
Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend. Forgive yourself for past mistakes and avoid self-criticism.

Positive Self-Talk:

Challenge and replace negative thoughts with more positive and realistic ones. Use affirmations to reinforce your strengths and worthiness.

Set Realistic Goals:

Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem.

Accept Imperfection:

Embrace the idea that nobody is perfect, and it's okay to make mistakes. Understand that making mistakes is a part of learning and growth.

Develop Healthy Boundaries:

Learn to say "no" when necessary to protect your time and energy. Respect your own needs and priorities, even in the face of external pressures.

Engage in Self-Care:

Prioritize self-care activities that promote physical and emotional well-being, such as exercise, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques. Allocate time for activities you enjoy and that make you feel good about yourself.

Build on Your Strengths:

Identify your strengths, talents, and skills, and find ways to use them in your daily life. Cultivate hobbies and interests that make you feel capable and fulfilled.

Seek Support and Social Connection:

Surround yourself with supportive and positive individuals who lift you up. Share your thoughts and feelings with trusted friends or a therapist.

Challenge Perfectionism:

Recognize that perfectionism can hinder self-esteem, as it sets unrealistic standards. Focus on progress, not perfection, and accept that it's okay to be imperfect.

Avoid Social Comparison:
Avoid comparing yourself to others, as this often leads to negative self-evaluation. Remember that everyone has their unique journey and strengths.

Focus on Self-Improvement:
Engage in activities and practices that help you grow and develop as a person. Continuously seek opportunities for learning and self-improvement.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation:
Mindfulness techniques can help you stay present in the moment, reduce self-criticism, and enhance self-awareness.

Set Healthy Goals for Self-Image:
Recognize that self-esteem is not solely based on external factors like appearance. Challenge societal beauty standards and focus on building a positive self-image.

Professional Help:
If self-esteem issues are deeply ingrained or significantly affect your mental health, consider working with a therapist or counselor who specializes in self-esteem and self-worth.

Keep a Journal:
Journaling can help you track your progress, identify patterns of negative self-esteem, and express your thoughts and emotions.

Remember that improving self-esteem is a gradual process, and setbacks are normal. Be patient with yourself and persistent in your efforts. Building healthy self-esteem is an ongoing journey that can lead to a more fulfilling and confident life.